Deep listening

“The practice of deep listening to the honest, vibrating details of another’s life story can open hearts into connection.” (p. xvi, The Buddha’s Wife)

Deep mindful listening means to listen without judgment and interruption. In relationships that foster deep listening and speaking, we are offered an opportunity to touch into core truths that can be shared in dialogue.

How can we listen more deeply, more mindfully? Here is a practice for you to do with a partner or circle from The Buddha’s Wife:

Sit in silence, facing each other with eyes open (if a circle then partner up).

Be mindful and attentive to the breathing in and out—attending to the in and out breath of your partner as well as your own.

Sit in silence, just breathing for 5 to 10 minutes.

Take turns to share the experience in simple words, listening deeply, and speaking the truth from the heart.